The Four C’s of Career Learning

The standard or outcome-based approach to curriculum development is a worldwide trend which reflects a paradigm shift from input to outcome-based provision, from teaching to learning, from content to process focused/performance-oriented learning experience. In this new paradigm the learner is expected to demonstrate what he/she knows and is able to do against the standards established at national level. Adopting an outcome-based approach for curriculum development is an effective way to address potential mismatches between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) provision and the needs of the labour market; between irrelevant/ obsolete training programmes, and employers’ and learners’ needs and expectations. 

At the heart of any skills system are the managers and staff of training institutions who face considerable challenges to deliver quality programmes at a time of fiscal constraint. As the expectations placed on institutions continue to grow, managers and trainers are increasingly expected to deliver flexible, responsive and current programmes based on strong partnerships with local employers that provide good employment outcomes. Because of this, there is a need for constituents to build the capacity of their institutional workforce to meet the expectations placed upon them by demand driven systems.